Ouch! OOOOUUUCHHH!
This week I was invited along to Lion Fitness in Selby to review a class. In the interests of our mumblers I offered to take part in two classes instead so that you could gain an insight into the variety of classes they offer. Looking at my diary I only had Friday night and Saturday morning free so I booked in back to back sessions. Big mistake. Huge! Ouch!
I should have mentioned that apart from a recent mumbler review, I haven’t really done any exercise in months and before that, only a gentle jog so it’s fair to say that my body is letting me know that it did not appreciate being thrown back into exercise without any warning. Maybe a day or two in between classes would have been a better way to ease myself in? At least you know I worked hard mumblers!
So – how were the classes? Absolutely fantastic! I took part in Fitness Yoga on Friday evening (6.15 – 7.15pm) and then Bootcamp on Saturday morning (8.30-9.15am).
Yoga
This class was being covered by Ben, who I have to mention has the most amazing personality. The class was so much fun and accessible for all. Ben offered alternatives for every exercise so that you could either make it slightly easier if you needed to, or push a bit further if your body was ready to. A Friday night fitness 
class is a tough slot but Ben kept it so light and enjoyable and took the time to explain every pose so that we were aware of what we were stretching and why – it was so interesting as well as fun! I came home feeling very stretched out and my body knew it as been worked.
Bootcamp
When the alarm (and by alarm I mean two mini mumblers) went off on 
Saturday morning I was actually excited about going to bootcamp as I’d enjoyed myself so much the night before. It was when my body ached with every step I took down the stairs that I realised the back to back classes were not my best idea! Once I got there and had loosened up a bit I was fine though. As you would expect, this class was quite different from yoga – forty five minutes flew by as the 
class was full of so many varied exercises. After a fun obstacle course – type warm up, Sarah (the instructor and also lovely) introduced us to the different exercises we would be doing for the session (and like Ben, offered alternatives if needed). We moved around the room, station by station repeating the exercises with increasing repetitions for 4.5 mins. It was great to have a breather in between each station! Throughout the class, Sarah checked in with me to talk me through the exercises as I was new and she was very supportive – as were all of the people who were doing the class. The class was tough – but good tough. I managed it after a yoga class, no sleep and as mentioned before – no exercise for quite some time.
Why I love Lion Fitness
This is a quote from their website:
“No one judges you at Lion Fitness. We make you feel welcome not intimidated. We pride ourselves on the community we have created.”
I can 100% verify that this is the truth. You can’t fake a welcome and you can’t fake a sense of community. It was the the thing that stood out to me the most. It can be very intimidating turning up at a class by yourself for the first time (and in my experience, especially at gyms) but both instructors I met were so welcoming and friendly. (I feel I should point out that before I mentioned it, they didn’t know I was writing a review so their welcome and professionalism was genuine). Everyone I met who was participating in the classes were friendly and supportive and obviously loved being part of the Lion Fitness community.
Another reason is because Mark (the founder) obviously cares greatly about the caliber of instructor he employs. They are not only massively qualified and experienced, but they have brilliant personalities that are approachable and motivating.
So, would I recommend giving Lion Fitness a try? Absolutely. It’s addictive. Even though I’m feeling the burn (ouch), I have spent the rest of my weekend figuring out how and when I can fit more classes into my busy schedule which speaks volumes. Read more testimonials from some of their members here.
If you’re interested in giving Lion Fitness a try, maybe like me you are eager to make an effort with fitness now that the kids are back to school or maybe you’re returning to exercise after having a baby, then September is the time to do it. They currently have a new members half price offer for this month only, with further reductions if you introduce a friend to Lion Fitness. Read more about how membership and offers work here.
PS I found it a bit tricky finding the gym – it is in Selby Business Park but isn’t signposted so I have included a photograph of what the outside looks like.
Enjoy the burn!
Caroline x x
Selby Business Park, Oakney Wood Road, Selby YO8 8LZ
T: 01757 701923
